The Maine Lobster Festival has announced the new officers for 2017. For the first time in the 70 years the festival has been going on, all four officers are women.

President: Cynthia Powell, pictured top left. Cynthia was born and raised in Rockland, Maine, and volunteered with the festival throughout her childhood. In 2002 she returned home to Rockland and began volunteering again. She became a member of the Maine Lobster Festival in 2007. Cynthia was elected to Director in 2012, and served as Vice President in 2015.

Vice President: Celia Knight, pictured top right. Celia has been involved with the Maine Lobster Festival her whole life, learning all about it from her mother Alice, who has been involved with the festival over 50 years, and is still a director. Celia has helped out in many areas of the festival over the years, and currently is the chair of the Marine Tent and Cooking Contest. She also assists with all the children’s contests and the crate race. Celia is the manager of Knight Marine Service in Rockland.

Treasurer: Brandy Perkins, pictured bottom left. Brandy started volunteering at the festival in high school in the food tent. After moving back to the area she began volunteering again. Over the years Brandy has volunteered at the gates, as a cashier, a shift leader, and the lobster cooker. This will be her third term as Treasurer.

Secretary: Barbara Toler, pictured bottom right. Barbara was born and raised in Camden, Maine, and has been volunteering her time at the festival for as long as she can remember. For many years she helped out behind the scenes, before filling the previously vacant position of secretary last year. Barbara is looking forward to even more responsibility this year, and helping to make the 70th Maine Lobster Festival great.

Outgoing President Brian Plourde served two years as President. He also served as Vice President and Director of the food tent. Brian volunteered with the festival for 17 years.